The other kingdoms, nobles, dignitaries and guests were announced one by one. Then the royal family of Lionara.
Finally, all the guests had settled into their seats, the murmurs quieted, and the moment arrived for Somto to be announced.
The air was thick with expectation, but Somto felt no pressure. Not like the battlefield, where every move meant life or death. This was a different kind of challenge.
His mother had tried to warn him. to remind him not to be nervous, but she quickly realized it was pointless. Somto was calm, almost unreadable.
There was one more thing she pressed on him: the engagement.
As the star of the night, Somto was expected to take the first dance. Tradition demanded he have a crown princess by his side, yet the space beside him was empty.
His mother urged him softly, "Choose a suitable lady from the crowd. Save face, even if you don't plan to marry her."
